Incorporating Maori world views in the Rotorua geothermal system management plan

Abstract

Tangata whenua, the indigenous people of New Zealand have a long, unique and intergenerational relationship with geothermal. In Rotorua, nga wai ariki (geothermal) remains central to everyday life and the wellbeing of tangata whenua.
However, colonisation, following the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, set in motion legislative and social changes that have altered the way that geothermal is used and managed. Key to this was the Crown taking control of the formal management of the geothermal system, under various statutes. While customary practices continued, wider access to and use of geothermal was managed by the Crown, which compartmentalized and commodified the system.
In 1991 the Resource Management Act (RMA) signalled an intention to shift focus back towards sustainable management and the recognition of the relationship of Maori with geothermal. Since then, there has been ‘fine tuning’ of legislation, progress towards Treaty of Waitangi Settlements, building of case law on Maori rights and interests in geothermal, and growing awareness within central and local government of Te Ao Maori, a Maori world view.
The development of the Draft Rotorua Geothermal System Management Plan (SMP) by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Council) provides an opportunity to rethink the way the system is managed. The Draft SMP has been codeveloped by the Council and tangata whenua, to embed theunique perspectives and m?tauranga (knowledge) of tangata whenua; and to reflect the aspirations of tangata whenua. The opportunities are considerable, but this new approach also brings tensions and challenges for both Council and tangata whenua.